NCE Decoder Problems

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I recently pruchased a 4 pack of NCE DA-SR decoders. I wanted to replace the dual mode decoder that came with my Atlas Master GP-40. Well after installing the first NCE decoder, the engine worked, but I could not get the headlight or backup light to work. Even toggling between on/off on my controler, would not make the lights work. I checked the bulbs off of the engine and they work fine so I’m sure the bulbs work.

I replaced the first decoder with another decoder from the pack and experienced another problem, the decoder didn’t work at all. No engine movement, no lights, etc. I replaced the second decoder with the thrid, this time the engine ran, and the lights worked. The problem is, the lights won’t turn off. Both remain lit regardless of traveling forward or backward, and they don’t work when I toggle the lights on/off on the hand held controller.

The fourth decoder I installed would not work at all like the second decoder. I’m using a Digitrax Super Empire builder DCC system. I did not reprogram any of the decoders CV’s, I left them to address 03. After I removed the last decoder, I re-installed the Atlas dual mode decoder and the engine works fine.

Am I doing something wrong here? I’ve installed numerous decoders, including other NCE DA-SR decoders and have not had a problem. Did I get a bad batch?

2

I’ve used about 20 of those DA-SR decoders and had no problems at all with any of them. One thing that you need to check into is the voltage of the light bulbs used by Atlas in their locomotives. I know that Athearn, for example, uses 1.2 Volt bulbs and you must add a resistor in the light wiring or the NCE decoder will malfunction or the light bulbs will burn out with a bright flash. Atlas engines may be the same problem.

I would suggest you contact NCE, or Tony’s Train Exchange, and ask for their advice. I have never had to contact NCE, but Tony’s has a lot of experience with NCE products. NCE’s Web site can be located by typing NCE or North Coast Engineering into Google. Tony’s is http://www.tonystrains.com

Both of these sites will then give you e-mail and telephone contact information.

3

I also would suggest calling NCE. There was a bad batch that was shipped, I had a four pack and they replaced them.

4

I agree–call NCE they will be very helpful.

5

There is also a NCE group on Yahoo Groups.

Dave H.